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gryphon
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Loc: Sambar ground/Victoria/Austral...
Walnut blank/rifle stock advice.
      #287582 - 09/09/16 07:12 AM

Well I have been into Roger Vardys online stock catalogue (NE sponsor) and I have my eye on a few different Exhibition grade rifle blanks.
Perhaps there are other blank suppliers in Aus?

I have also looked extensively at several US walnut blank sites as well,its all part of the proposed `64 build thats been itching my mind for years

I have the 9.3 x 64 B dies coming.Yep I have started from the very bottom ha ha.

Now the question is can you blokes in the know advise as to a good stock maker in Australia..preferably in Victoria that can go from blank to beauty?
If it gets to the too hard basket I will go syn..thats a sin though isnt it?

--------------------
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LesLeeSpeed
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: gryphon]
      #287584 - 09/09/16 08:30 AM

Hi Gryphon,
Ross Waghorn would have to be No1. He is at Dandenong or thereabouts I think. Gordon Cusens in Tasmania also does some nice work.
If you talk to these 2 guys, you will get a pretty good idea about what is required for the rifle you are building.
LesLeeSpeed


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BillG500
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: LesLeeSpeed]
      #287587 - 09/09/16 10:22 AM

Gordon Cusens also supplies blanks and a stock machining service to very close tolerances. Gordon doesn't have a web site but if you give him a call and explain what you are after he will send photos and you can go from there. I have got a couple off him now and he is very good to deal with. Gabe Gatti is arguably the best stock maker in Australia, I have seen a few of his stocks and they are just exquisite. I'm not sure how Gabe is going at the moment and wether he is back working as he fell off his pushie and damaged his neck.

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gryphon
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: BillG500]
      #287595 - 09/09/16 12:33 PM

Thanks gents,Les,BillI have been into Ross Waghorns site today and there are many examples to view on there,nice stuff too.

I have seen GC name come up often too but have never been able to find him.I know why now Bill.
Being in Tassie means its an over the water problem as I want to be able to see progress too.
Seeing quality blanks online would be better than doing it over the phone.
Bugger why isnt he online!

Gabe Gatti I looked at years ago and he is the best they say,he`s also pricey from what I can glean.

I have been swapping emails with one of the Buff boys from up north that has already gone down this road with the `64/walnut/mauser combo.

Still researching and will continue to do so.

--------------------
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LesLeeSpeed
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: gryphon]
      #287600 - 09/09/16 04:01 PM

Hi Gryphon,
Here are Gordons contact details. I have bought from him and viewed photos via email.
gcusens@hotmail.com 0401 442 768
Hatchers Rifle Stocks have a website and are located in Melbourne somewhere. He has a lot of Geoff Slee's patterns.
I haven't dealt with him but have been in contact with some who have and they seem happy enough.
Good luck
LesLeeSpeed


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gryphon
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: LesLeeSpeed]
      #287601 - 09/09/16 04:30 PM

Les..a quick one..does he also finish the stocks to completion?

--------------------
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Waidmannsheil
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: gryphon]
      #287604 - 09/09/16 05:02 PM

Roger Vardy is very good to deal with although you have to yell in to the phone as he is pretty deaf. His timber is second to none especially for the harder kicking calibers, it is super hard and super dense and most stock blanks have been aged for almost thirty years.

Waidmannsheil.

--------------------
There is nothing wrong with vegetarian food, so long as there is meat with it.


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gryphon
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #287606 - 09/09/16 05:23 PM

There is a big plus with RV as he is "only over the hill" basically.

Does he carve and finish at all?

--------------------
Get off the chair away from the desk and get out in the bush and enjoy life.


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Waidmannsheil
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: gryphon]
      #287610 - 09/09/16 07:14 PM

I am not sure, I have only bought blanks from him.

Waidmannsheil.

--------------------
There is nothing wrong with vegetarian food, so long as there is meat with it.


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gryphon
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #287613 - 09/09/16 08:07 PM

OK who did the blank work for you.

--------------------
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LesLeeSpeed
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: gryphon]
      #287616 - 09/09/16 10:39 PM

Quote:

Les..a quick one..does he also finish the stocks to completion?



Gordon Cusens does. I think Hatchers do but not positive.
Les


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GG375
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Reged: 27/02/04
Posts: 347
Loc: Brisbane
Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: gryphon]
      #287641 - 10/09/16 11:43 AM

Quote:

Well I have been into Roger Vardys online stock catalogue (NE sponsor) and I have my eye on a few different Exhibition grade rifle blanks.
Perhaps there are other blank suppliers in Aus?

I have also looked extensively at several US walnut blank sites as well,its all part of the proposed `64 build thats been itching my mind for years

I have the 9.3 x 64 B dies coming.Yep I have started from the very bottom ha ha.

Now the question is can you blokes in the know advise as to a good stock maker in Australia..preferably in Victoria that can go from blank to beauty?
If it gets to the too hard basket I will go syn..thats a sin though isnt it?




Hi Gryph

Another thing I think you need to consider is the style of stock you want on your rifle. What I mean is, if you are chasing a classic pommy style of stock then Ross Waghorn is probably your best bet as he has a really good eye for that style.

Gabe is no longer doing any work due, as mentioned earlier, to damaging his neck in a push bike accident. He is slowly getting more use of his fingers/hands from what I've heard but it will be a long time I think before he will be ready to take on more work. His stocks were technical perfection but were more of an American Classic style than an English classic.

I'll send you a PM re a blank I have which may be of interest if you like? Just let me know.

Cheers mate.

GG


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CHAPUISARMES
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Reged: 16/01/08
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Loc: DUBBO, NSW, AUSTRALIA
Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: gryphon]
      #287646 - 10/09/16 03:03 PM

Quote:

There is a big plus with RV as he is "only over the hill" basically.

Does he carve and finish at all?




Here is another credit for both Roger Vardy and Ross Waghorn. When I got 2 done some time back now was a comment from R.V. that sold me on buying from him and stated that was, If R.W. finds a flaw that was not visable, he will replace the blank 'No Questions Asked' Ross also confirmed this but never had the need so far.

I don't believe R.V. does any stock work.



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NitroXAdministrator
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Reged: 25/12/02
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: LesLeeSpeed]
      #287670 - 11/09/16 07:16 AM

Quote:

Hi Gryphon,
Ross Waghorn would have to be No1. He is at Dandenong or thereabouts I think. Gordon Cusens in Tasmania also does some nice work.
If you talk to these 2 guys, you will get a pretty good idea about what is required for the rifle you are building.
LesLeeSpeed




I always think buying the blank in person is far preferable to buying off photos from a website. As you say, Roger Vardy lives nearby so it is very easy for you. I spent an hour or two in one of his blank storage sheds, trying to find just the right stocks, and then asked Roger for advice on which of the selections was preferable. They were on for a long arm, and a couple for two piece stocks. Plus an earlier long arm stock I bought the year or two before.

I also used Ross Waghorn for the stock work. And he did an excellent job, ran through the options of what I liked and what he suggested. Draw up a drawing etc to pictorially show what he would be making. Forms part of the deal.





(The metal work, ie bolt handle change was done by Bob de Vries)

http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=79782&page=0&fpart=1&vc=1
Thread on the rifle.

Again, he isn't that far away so easy to deal with in person.

Roger Vardy has and is able to make a stock from his blanks, but I believe he said he doesn't do it usually. At the SHOT Show where I purchased the first blank, he called Ross Waghorn over to talk to me and I later met up with him.

I haven't used anyone else so can't comment on them.

The only thing I would change on the .30-06 stock is to make the forend a bit shorter perhaps. But that is how my preferences have changed over time, not what I ordered back then.

I used this rifle both times I visited you. So you have seen it.





(Have to retake these photos without those ugly bags ... )

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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gryphon
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Reged: 01/01/03
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Loc: Sambar ground/Victoria/Austral...
Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: NitroX]
      #287691 - 11/09/16 10:39 AM

Thanks to all replies,everything is being absorbed too.

GG I havent a PM as yet,will look again.

--------------------
Get off the chair away from the desk and get out in the bush and enjoy life.


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GG375
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Reged: 27/02/04
Posts: 347
Loc: Brisbane
Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: gryphon]
      #287698 - 11/09/16 01:39 PM

Gryph

PM sent now mate......sorry, I was waiting to see if you wanted me to send details of the blank I have. All good :-)

GG


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gryphon
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: GG375]
      #287703 - 11/09/16 02:54 PM

Got it mate..you know the rest..BTW members GG has a ripper for sale,contact him!

JH you are right about the rifle,I believe I have heard her speak..you are right in hindsight also re the forend length too,thats a no brainer for the expert fellas to remedy isnt it?

--------------------
Get off the chair away from the desk and get out in the bush and enjoy life.


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93x64mm
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Reged: 07/12/11
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: NitroX]
      #287720 - 12/09/16 07:12 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Hi Gryphon,
Ross Waghorn would have to be No1. He is at Dandenong or thereabouts I think. Gordon Cusens in Tasmania also does some nice work.
If you talk to these 2 guys, you will get a pretty good idea about what is required for the rifle you are building.
LesLeeSpeed




I always think buying the blank in person is far preferable to buying off photos from a website. As you say, Roger Vardy lives nearby so it is very easy for you. I spent an hour or two in one of his blank storage sheds, trying to find just the right stocks, and then asked Roger for advice on which of the selections was preferable. They were on for a long arm, and a couple for two piece stocks. Plus an earlier long arm stock I bought the year or two before.

I also used Ross Waghorn for the stock work. And he did an excellent job, ran through the options of what I liked and what he suggested. Draw up a drawing etc to pictorially show what he would be making. Forms part of the deal.





(The metal work, ie bolt handle change was done by Bob de Vries)

http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=79782&page=0&fpart=1&vc=1
Thread on the rifle.

Again, he isn't that far away so easy to deal with in person.

Roger Vardy has and is able to make a stock from his blanks, but I believe he said he doesn't do it usually. At the SHOT Show where I purchased the first blank, he called Ross Waghorn over to talk to me and I later met up with him.

I haven't used anyone else so can't comment on them.

The only thing I would change on the .30-06 stock is to make the forend a bit shorter perhaps. But that is how my preferences have changed over time, not what I ordered back then.

I used this rifle both times I visited you. So you have seen it.





(Have to retake these photos without those ugly bags ... )




Looks like a old Parker Hale M1200 exactly like mine, but mine's been rebarrelled in 308 Norma Magnum.
Really like the stock & the new bolt alteration!


93x64mm


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Missed
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Reged: 31/01/16
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: 93x64mm]
      #289834 - 04/11/16 08:50 AM

Gryphon I have found that ph number of the chap I mentioned when we last spoke.

But I have missplaced yours

Give me a quick call when you put the drone away of course.


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lapua
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: Missed]
      #289835 - 04/11/16 08:57 AM

Hi PM me I have blank going for great price

--------------------
Cheers

lapua

ADF VETERAN ARMY

Lest We Forget


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lapua
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: NitroX]
      #289836 - 04/11/16 09:00 AM

We need to some evidence of Gordon work !!!!

--------------------
Cheers

lapua

ADF VETERAN ARMY

Lest We Forget


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gryphon
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: Missed]
      #289916 - 07/11/16 11:49 AM

Quote:

Gryphon I have found that ph number of the chap I mentioned when we last spoke.

But I have missplaced yours

Give me a quick call when you put the drone away of course.




i sent my number off cobber

--------------------
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gundog
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: gryphon]
      #290031 - 09/11/16 09:15 PM

Hey Gryph, I hope you're criticising John's rifle pics the same way you criticised mine.

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gryphon
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: gundog]
      #290046 - 10/11/16 06:29 AM

What are you sooking about?

Welcome to the REAL world son,its where no matter what you have someone will critique it no matter made by PH or Dorleac!

I`m going down to the Opp Shop today to get you a new blouse!

--------------------
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gryphon
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: gryphon]
      #290050 - 10/11/16 07:46 AM

Ok then here we go!

JH the pics of your rifle dont make professional enough quality ha ha

I expect a wholehearted GAGF reply too!

--------------------
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GABE93
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: GG375]
      #296140 - 03/03/17 10:48 AM

Hi,
Just confirming for a few blokes i know here, the bike accident has put me out of action. I don't know if i will recover well enough to get back to rifle building for a living.

I will keep all my equipment and stock blanks and keep doing physio exercises and see what happens. I still study and contemplate all aspects about fine guns.

Gryphon, i was charging a very high price. I was spending unlimited hours on the rifles and stocks, doing the work as well as possible. I am obsessive to the point of illness.

Ross Waghorn, Gorden Cusens will make a good rifle for you if you havn't yet started the project. Also check out John Clapham. He had a very nice classic style rifle on one of his website pages a year or 2 ago.

Cheers,
Gabe


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93x64mm
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: GABE93]
      #296214 - 04/03/17 09:05 AM

Sorry to hear you're out of action mate - didn't know!
Hope it all goes well your end regardless of what you end up doing
Regards
93x64mm


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GABE93
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: 93x64mm]
      #296257 - 04/03/17 05:13 PM

Thank you 93x64. I See you are in nth qld. Have we met? Let me know by PM if you feel like it.
cheers,
Gabe


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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: 93x64mm]
      #296267 - 04/03/17 10:14 PM

Quote:

Looks like a old Parker Hale M1200 exactly like mine, but mine's been rebarrelled in 308 Norma Magnum.
Really like the stock & the new bolt alteration!


93x64mm




Yes it was. A Parker Hale 1200 Delux restocked by Waghorn and a different bolt handle fitted by De Vries.

I originally liked the Monte Carlo styled stock when I purchased it back in 1982 (?). But times and fashion change. One thing about "classic" designs, they never really go out of fashion, and old folks seem to like them forever. The old Monte Carlo stock used to flash like a mirror as well.

Since having the rifle re-stocked, I probably would go now for a shorter forend, but what it is I ordered at the time. Ross Waghorn goes through all the design when commissioning the work.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Walnut blank/rifle stock advice. [Re: gryphon]
      #296268 - 04/03/17 10:14 PM

Quote:

Ok then here we go!

JH the pics of your rifle dont make professional enough quality ha ha

I expect a wholehearted GAGF reply too!




GAGF.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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